Here's todays FCM freeze report:

Freeze Fruit Report for Dec. 29, 2010
Michael W. Sparks [mwsparks@flcitrusmutual.com]
This message was sent with High importance.
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 11:57 AM
Cc:
FCM [FCM@flcitrusmutual.com]; Derek [derek@whitisconsulting.com]; Mongiovi, Nelson [mongion@doacs.state.fl.us]; Shepp, Shannon [shepps@doacs.state.fl.us]
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To Florida Citrus Mutual Board of Directors and Friends of the Industry:

The following report updates last night’s freeze, December 29, 2010.

Freeze Field Report; Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Last night very low temperatures once again hit the Florida citrus industry. The high elevations on the Ridge seem to have come through in decent shape with isolated reports of ice.

Many other areas in our various growing regions were hit hard with numerous reports of frozen fruit being cut across the state. These multiple freeze events over the past few weeks so close together are taking their toll on us. No doubt we have fruit and yield loss, but it will be weeks before the full extent of damage is known. Warmer temperatures expected through the New Year are also causing concern as this will expedite fruit drop as well as quality issues.

With reports of low temperatures for lengthy durations, in addition to fruit loss we would expect leaf and twig damage throughout the state. The Northern region of the citrus industry had fared pretty well however, last night it was hit hard and there will be significant fruit damage.

All processors report that they are running 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Commissioner Bronson has asked the Governor for an additional extension on lifting truck weight restrictions. He has also requested a statewide disaster declaration as soon as possible. As you know, the disaster declaration is necessary for crop insurance claims.

Florida Citrus Mutual urges growers to contact their crop insurance carriers or county FSA agents as soon as possible for guidance on claims and reporting deadlines. Also, growers in the South West Florida Water Management District need to make sure they are reporting their frost/freeze pumpage so that it does not accumulate against their annual permit quantities.

For daily updated weather reports, please call Florida Citrus Mutual at 863/682-1111 ext. 805.



Michael W. Sparks

Executive VP/CEO

Florida Citrus Mutual

863-682-1111

Thanks for posting that Malcolm,

It reminds all the hobbyist here how incredibly important the citrus industry is to the economics of the State of Florida. What for most of us is a minor inconvenience is a financial nightmare to the orchardist of citrus. Let's hope they get all they can juiced before it is too late.